Man accuses Metro of racial discrimination

A Galveston County man filed a discrimination suit against his former employer.

William B. Hernandez filed a complaint Sept. 26 in Galveston County District Court against the Metropolitan Transit Authority (Metro) of Harris County, citing racial discrimination.

According to the complaint, Hernandez is a decorated law enforcement professional with more than 32 years experience who has worked for Metro the past 20 years and holds the highest certifications issued by the Texas Commission Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education (TCLEOSE). The suit states Hernandez has completed more than 5,360 hours of specialized training.

Despite his qualifications, according to the complaint, the plaintiff repeatedly has been denied advancement opportunities at Metro, but Metro has recognized that his non-Hispanic colleagues have advanced their careers. Hernandez, the suit states, was later told he would never be promoted due to his filing discrimination complaints.

The plaintiff seeks punitive damages as permitted by law.

He is represented by attorney Alfonso Kennard Jr. of Kennard Blankenship Robinson in Houston.

Galveston County District Court case number: 4:14-CV-02763